Are we good ambassadors?

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
(2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV))

Have you ever stopped to think about this passage from the perspective of the definition of the word ambassador?

The word ambassador means a diplomatic agent of the highest rank, an authorized representative or messenger.

Does this sound anything like the role that you have been filling while you live your life? Does this sound anything like the witness that you have had for Jesus on a daily basis?

A diplomatic agent of the highest rank stands firm and resolute for the interests of those who sent him. They constantly present the case of the one whom they represent. They are sent with authority and under authority. What they say and do is supposed to be the very words and desires of those who gave them that authority. They do not falter or fail in delivering the message that they were sent to convey!

Sadly, if you are anything like me, I have failed miserably at my assigned tasks. I can imagine a performance evaluation of my lackluster representation of Jesus. Do I do all that I should be doing to point people to the grace and mercy that is freely given through the atoning blood of Jesus? Do I do all that I should to tell people that they can be forgiven of their sins? Do I step outside of my comfort zone and share the good news?

We have been sent out as ambassadors.

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
(Mark 16:15 (NIV))

Are we good ambassadors?

Copyright 1998 – 2018 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
Subscribe to daily email delivery
Visit us on facebook

Has the Lord ever failed you?

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living

The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;
(Psalms 34:19 (NIV))

Does God keep all of His promises?

I realize that this is a very deep concept and question, but can you think of a single promise that God has not kept? I can almost hear some of you asking if the ones that haven’t been fulfilled as of yet count as a promise that has not been kept. If you feel that this is a representation of a promise that has not been kept, I want to pose a question to you. Do you believe that faith in Jesus will give you eternal life with God the Father? Are you in God’s presence now or are you still in your body? Does this mean that because you still walk this earth that His promise is not going to be kept?

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.
(2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV))

I realize that human nature seeks instant gratification for we are limited in our patience and understanding. We must learn to put away our human nature and look at things through eternal eyes. God’s promises are for us personally, but they are also for everyone who will believe. Because of this, God delays what all believers long for. God is not slow, but patient.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
(2 Peter 3:9 (NIV))

Perhaps you prefer the concept as presented in John. We will all face troubles in this life. We have been promised that the Lord will be with us through the troubles. With that in mind, have you been through all of the troubles in this life that you will face? I hardly doubt that the rest of your life will be trouble free. Does this mean that this promise is not true?

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
(John 16:33 (NIV))

Faith is a valuable thing. It means that we hold on to the promises even if they haven’t come true yet. It means that we stand firm because we know the promises that have been fulfilled. It also means that we can stand firm on His track record and claim that He will always keep His promises.

Copyright 1998 – 2017 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
Subscribe to daily email delivery
Visit us on facebook